Spring training: Red Sox catchers built for power, not for speed

Red Sox starting catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia works on drills on the practice fields at Fenway South for the first day of pitcher and catcher workouts on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. Scott Butherus/Staff

FORT MYERS - It is often said that life moves a little slower in Southwest Florida. The same can be said of Boston Red Sox catchers, who, along with 27 pitchers and a handful of position players that reported early, had their first official workout of the spring at Fenway South on Tuesday.

Three catchers — all of whom have strong Florida ties — are expected to handle the bulk of the duties behind the plate this season. Even though Jarrod Saltalamacchia, David Ross and Mike Napoli help make the position a decided strength for the Red Sox, don't expect any stolen base titles from them.

Last season, the trio combined for 1,061 plate appearances and only two stolen bases. The Red Sox are all right with that as long as they do their share of running the bases at a home run-trot pace. A combined 60 homers from the three is a very real possibility.

"We have the full trust of the guys who are going to be behind the plate," new manager John Farrell said.

Saltalamacchia led the Red Sox with 25 home runs in 2012, his first full season behind the plate since the retirement of longtime BoSox backstop Jason Varitek. Varitek was at camp on Tuesday as an instructor. Although the home runs were a big boost for a team that had trouble scoring at times last year, Saltalamacchia understands his priority remains as a game manager behind the plate.

"My job behind the plate is No. 1," the Royal Palm Beach High grad said. "At the plate, I'm just trying to help out as much as possible. Whatever that means, whether it is home runs or driving in runs. I ran into some balls last year like I knew I could, but I just try and keep the same approach, same routine, and I think that was the biggest key (to the increased home run total)."

In the speed department, Salty was on base 128 times last year without stealing a bag.

"I try not to think too much of it," he said.

Ross, who signed as a two-year, $6.2-million contract with Boston after spending his last four seasons with the Atlanta Braves, figures to be the primary backup. Last season, the Tallahassee native and former Florida Gator batted .256 with nine home runs.

"Going into his free agent year, he was one of the top catchers sought after," Farrell said. "The fact that we had a month in the '08 season to become familiar with him, he was No. 1 on the list that we chose that we were pursuing in the offseason."

He even stole a base — his first in 11 major league seasons spent with eight different teams, including a short stint with Boston four years ago.

"We needed another catcher with experience," Farrell said of the decision to sign Ross. "We liked the fact of the intangibles that he brings, the game-calling abilities and the leadership that he has. He knows the role very well and has been successful in that role."

Napoli likely will only serve as the emergency backup after it was discovered that he had a degenerative condition in his hips during his physical after signing with Boston this offseason. He still considers himself very much a catcher after logging 539 games at the position in his seven seasons.

"That's my natural position," Napoli said. "I love being behind the plate. I like the grind of the game and working with the pitchers, so it is kind of disappointing I'm not going to be back there.

"If my hips clear up to where the doctors clear me so that I can catch, I'll do it. I don't have a problem with that. We are going to do whatever is best for the team."

"He's still restricted from any kind of impact or pounding," Farrell said.

Last season with the Texas Rangers, the Pembroke Pines native hit .227 with 24 home runs and one stolen base. His best season as a pro came in 201l when he hit .320 with 30 HRs, and 75 RBIs.

"We've got two good catchers here already, so I'll be able to get some ABs at first base and keep the body healthy," Napoli said.

Also in camp for the Red Sox are catchers Daniel Butler, Christian Vazquez and Ryan Lavarnway, who is another prospect with power potential that spent time with the big league club last season. Former Boston skipper Bobby Valentine once remarked that Lavarnway looks like he is running with a refrigerator on his back.

So which catcher is the fastest in a footrace?

"I haven't really seen Vazquez run too much, but I think right but I think right now I've got the lead," Saltalamachia said with a smile.